Steel woofer enclosure

[skyy406]

Hey all,

I have a few questions that I hope you can help answer.

I am in the process of re-building the system in my Avenger.

Basically what I want to do it build a sub-woofer enclosure out of 1/8" thick steel. I would dynamat the entire interior of the enclosure after it has been welded up. Other than that is there really anything else I can do? Any suggestions?

I have heard a lot of recommendation of building it out of wood or fiberglass. But I like metal. I think it would be much more fun and "cool" to have a steel enclosure.

My subs would be mounted inverted because I do not want my entire trunk space taken up. I'm building the box for two Rockford Fosgate Titan 12" subs (1st gen). They are going to be powered by a Sundown SAZ-2500D amp.

My reasons for not building the box out of wood are I do not feel like investing in wood cutting tools as I have a MIG welder, Plasma cutter, angle grinders.....ect... and find metal working much more interesting. I also want something different.

I'm not looking for competetition sound or anything like that. I just want reliability and a good sound.

Any tips and criticism are appreciated.

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[SquishY 10+ year member]

That is going to be quite a heavy box, thought I'm sure it will look pretty neat. I'd day use lots and lots of dynamat and brace at least the bigger sides together.

 

[R34P3R 10+ year member]

I'm thinking resonance and flexing might be a problem. I'm no expert, but if it was as simple as dynomatting a steel box and calling it day, I'm sure it would be pretty common.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Metal resonates very easily which is why something like mdf works better because it is considered "dead". The steel enclosure will work however I don't see it being particularly practical.

 

[05trailblazer 10+ year member]

you have to look at this in the acoustic way. plus you'll have a lot of noise so Just make sure it is sealed well and use lots of sound deadening material.

 

[The_Grimy_One 10+ year member]

Im tuned in for this. Should be quite the piece of art.

I almost want to say use a ton of non-asphalt deadner both in the box and outside of the box. Just the inside may work, but I have a strong feeling you are gonna get a lot of noise.

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Make it out of wood and get 1/16 metal and clad the wood box. Lighter, looks good, and sounds like a box should.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

This ^

A plain metal box would weigh close to 2x as much assuming there is proper bracing. If there is no bracing there will be more flex than Oprah running a 100m dash.

 

[SquishY 10+ year member]

I didn't even think about it resonating, yeah. Maybe you would be best off to just cover a nice wood box with some nicely finished thin gauge metal. I'm far from saying don't do it, I love new things.

 

[akheathen Premium Member]

i would just coat the inside of the box with something real thick....... it is gonna ba kinda heavy.... especially with that much..... don't suppose you can mig? i plan on doing my 12cu bed box in my lowridder of aluminum..

 

[9515ROB 10+ year member]

actualy for everyone who thinks steel is a bad thing to make boxes out of your wrong. I will try to get the pictures of this diagram loaded tonight if not it will be tomorrow

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

Concrete!

 

[9515ROB 10+ year member]

i aint going to get this chart loaded up tonight but. Steel is the best material out of mdf birch fiberglass and aluminum. i think there was something else but i dont remember

 

[candeshop407]

My reasons for not building the box out of wood are I do not feel like investing in wood cutting tools

I have all the tools needed to complete the job. I'm in Ocoee.

 

[skyy406]

Whoa thanks for all the posts!

The thing of it is- if the box doesn't sound the way it should I can always use the metal for other projects. That is the beauty of metal working and welding. Wood, is a little more difficult once it's been glued, drilled, and screwed into.

I can layer the interior of the enclosure with as thick dynamat as I can find and clearcoat it of course.

I'll refinish the exterior so it is extremely reflective and shiny also. The interior would be braced and frankly this box is going to be 100x stronger than anything you can build out of wood. yes wood is a "deader" material i'm not arguing with you there and yes I may experience issues with odd noises- but I think I am going to give this a shot.

And, candeshop407,

I appreciate the offer but my car is nearly done a complete engine/transmission over haul- and isn't running yet- so i'd need the tools at my garage.